Specter of closed city parks ignites budget debate

6:30 PM,
May 14, 2013

Kilgour Fountain in Hyde Park Square

Written by

Jane Prendergast

Beloved Cincinnati parks stand at the center of a fierce debate over helping fill next year's $35 million budget deficit, with parks supporters ready to fight and city officials saying they aren't to blame.

It all started Tuesday with a Facebook post by the Ault Park Advisory Council, a non-profit group that supports the popular Mount Lookout park. The post listed Draconian cuts, including closing a dozen parks, closing all park restrooms and turning off water features and fountains, including the Kilgour Fountain in Hyde Park Square. The post quickly drew anger targeted at City Hall.